Reviews and Reports on over 70 bicycle paths in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul area!

Hello, and welcome to Metro Bike Trails Guide. My name is Seamus Flynn. This website contains reviews of different bicycle trails (most of which are paved) in the Minneapolis/St. Paul five-county metro area, as well as good routes that use my favorite trails. Here we have a growing -- and already huge -- number of bike trails. Whether you're out for a spin 'round the lake or a trek 'cross the state, I hope you find this site helpful for finding new places to bike.

Factors that influence my rating system:Beauty -- I prefer trails that are away from roads and travel through nature.Maintenance -- Is the trail well-kept?Ease of navigation -- Is there signage? Can you follow the trail if you aren't in the know?Traffic -- Trails that are so busy that this presents a potential safety hazard are often docked by about half a point. Trails that are little-known and nice are often voted up.Difficulty -- This does not influence my rating system, though I try to mention it if the trail is very difficult. I enjoy hills, but maybe you do not. 5 is the highest rating, and 1 is the lowest.

FAQs

What is your favorite trail?It would be unfair to all the trails out there to name a single favorite. The Reservoir Woods Trail features a winning combination of huge, fun hills and lush woods. I also flip for the unspoiled woods and meadows along the Elm Creek Park Trail and the wow-inducing wetlands and woods along the Northern Segment of the Rice Creek North Trail and the Snail Lake Trail.

Do you need a pass to bike on any trails in this area?Not on any trails in the Twin Cities! On some rural trails, a pass is required -- more detail in those trails' reviews.

What are some of the nicest trails around for beginners?Rail trails pop to mind, however, some (like the Gateway and Bruce Vento) are very busy and have steep trailside drop-offs that are unfenced. Trails that are in flat wetlands and floodplains are great for beginners (like the Snail Lake Trail and the Lilydale - Harriet Island Trail, both of which have small loops and few road crossings).

Sources

These are some of the websites that helped me locate and find more information on the trails I biked and reviewed.